Central Technology Services (CTS), a subsidiary of Central Bancompany, which operates 13 community banks in the Midwest, wanted to improve access for traveling IT employees. CTS also wanted to build a cost-effective foundation for expanded communications options for the banks it serves. With the help of SKT Business Communication Solutions, a Microsoft® Gold Certified Partner, CTS implemented a unified communications solution based on Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 and Microsoft Exchange Server 2007. The solution provides presence features and improved access for employees who are away from their desks, saving them 15 minutes a day. Users also appreciate the ability to manage their voice and e-mail messages from a single inbox. Because the solution integrates with existing telephony hardware, CTS can extend the life of that hardware while expanding communications options.

Elon’s campus security department can now view real-time and archived video surveillance footage on demand, thanks to the Cisco® Video Surveillance Operations Manager. The system operates over Elon University’s existing Cisco network, which is also used for Cisco Unified Communications; and a Cisco digital signage solution. “We like the idea of end-to-end Cisco solutions because they are easier to support,” Waters says. “The reliability of Cisco solutions is also important to us because a video surveillance system must work all the time to be an effective crime deterrent.” The Cisco Video Surveillance Operations Manager controls Elon’s 40 preexisting cameras as well as 35 new Cisco Video Surveillance IP Cameras that receive power over Ethernet. The new video surveillance cameras are deployed in parking lots and at various campus entrances. Wireless cameras provide coverage of walking paths. The IT group also connected older analog cameras that monitor the campus stadium to the IP network. “The use of video cameras serves as a deterrent in the community, and also helps to improve evidence collection,” says Gerald O. Whittington, vice president of business, finance, and technology, Elon University.

InterCall, the world’s leading conferencing and collaboration service provider, offers a range of unified communications solutions, including design, implementation, and adoption services. InterCall wanted to use unified communications internally, to streamline communications and to become more familiar with issues its customers face. The solution needed to help teams connect more easily and provide flexible tools to support cross-functional workgroups. Many of its customers use Microsoft® technology, so InterCall worked with SKT Business Communication Solutions to deploy Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007. Now, InterCall employees have access to voice over IP, instant messaging, presence, and collaboration tools. InterCall estimates that the new solution saved each pilot user about 30 minutes a week and could save 15,000 hours annually when deployed companywide.

Regional bank chose Cisco Unified communicaitons to connect branches and provide higher levels of customer service.

Friends University, a private university based in Wichita, Kansas, wanted to improve conferencing across its three statewide campuses. Several Friends faculty and staff members also traveled frequently and sought streamlined communications while on the road. Additionally, Friends needed to replace an aging voice-mail system. To address these needs, Friends deployed a solution based on Microsoft® Office Communications Server 2007 and Microsoft Exchange Server 2007. A campus licensing agreement made the Microsoft unified communications solution dramatically less expensive than alternatives. The solution provides remote conferencing and unified messaging in a user-friendly way, effectively integrating with other applications. The university has also taken advantage of the solution to improve IT operations, providing a foundation for future enhancements to collaborative technology.

InterCall, the world’s leading conferencing and collaboration service provider, offers a range of unified communications solutions, including design, implementation, and adoption services. InterCall wanted to use unified communications internally, to streamline communications and to become more familiar with issues its customers face. The solution needed to help teams connect more easily and provide flexible tools to support cross-functional workgroups. Many of its customers use Microsoft® technology, so InterCall worked with SKT Business Communication Solutions to deploy Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007. Now, InterCall employees have access to voice over IP, instant messaging, presence, and collaboration tools. InterCall estimates that the new solution saved each pilot user about 30 minutes a week and could save as much as 15,000 hours annually when deployed companywide.

Thompson Coburn LLP, a regional firm with 340 attorneys, needed to address its aging Private Branch Exchange hardware. Wanting to use technology to improve client service, it also sought to enhance communications for staff by offering more options (including video) and by streamlining the contact process. The company deployed a solution based on Microsoft® Office Communications Server 2007. The solution lowers the firm’s telephony costs, helps attorneys to identify the best methods to reach colleagues, and supports enhanced video conferencing. Thompson Coburn will integrate the new software with its proprietary customer relationship management application, Firm Contact Manager, to provide attorneys with additional information about incoming calls. The firm expects to derive business value from new forms of communications data that the solution will help collect.